Patience is a woman's greatest virtue,
or so the saying goes.
A gymnast must have said it,
For a gymnast surely knows,
That in this funny sport of ours
Discouragement runs high,
And at times the very best will find
This virtue's passed her by.
When hands are ripped and throbbing
When every muscle's sore,
Can a gymnast still have patience
To limp back in for more?
When you've lost old moves you used to do,
And progress seems so slow,
Can you still have faith in better days
And not feel sad and low?
Can you admit you're frightened,
Yet not give in to fears?
Can you conquer pain, frustration,
And often even tears?
When someone else does something
You've tried so long to do,
Can you really feel glad for her?
And not just pity you?
When success seems far away,
Your efforts all in vain,
can you force yourself to wear a smile,
And disregard the pain?
If despite the tribulations,
You can say "I won't give in."
Maybe someday you'll discover,
That it's now your turn to win.

TEAM

T ogether
E everyone
A chieves
M ore

RECIPE FOR A GYMNAST

Add iron and steel
To beauty and grace
Stir in the will to win
With a bright smiling face
Blend in love
For a Sport
And a friendship within
Fold in bruises and bumps
On the surface of skin
Mix in soft flowing arms
And straight pointed toes
With a twist of the head
To complete the pose
Pour in loyalty and dedication
For the rest of the team
For the gymnast is striving
To fulfill
A dream

LIKE A GIRL

You run like a girl
You jump like a girl
You hit like a girl
You tumble six feet over
a four-inch beam like a girl!

THE POWER OF COOPERATION

C are for each other
O bey the safety rules
O ffer to help others
P lay together as a team
E ncourage one another
R emember to have fun
A ttitude is important
T ake turns
E veryone is a winner

THE BALANCE BEAM

Walking a balance beam 4 inches wide and 4 feet high teaches a young girl to concentrate on where she is going in life. She quickly learns how to put her foot down...and when to leap for her dreams. Gymnastics gives young girls the tools they need to build a successful future: The courage to explore unique talents. The confidence to set lofty goals. The creativity to reach them. Above all, it develops the discipline to achieve.

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